Author
hanalarock
I'm Hana- a freelance travel writer and teacher who currently lives in South Korea. I'm originally from New York, but have spent the last two years traveling and living abroad. My first time hiking in the US was when I traveled around the country as a teenager. Though, my first adult backpacking trip was a year ago, when I hiked from Thailand down to Singapore for a month. I'm looking forward to many more adventures in the future. Visit my site for more information.
316 articles
Backcountry Skills
Fact or Fiction – 8 Myths About the Outdoors Revealed
There’s a lot of urban legends out there in the backpacking world. Whether you’ve seen them on TV or heard them from other backpackers, it’s hard to know what to believe. Sometimes going by these stories, when they might actually not be true, can be dangerous. Here are some of the most talked about myths […]
1 min read · Sep 21, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
The Invisible Threat: Lyme Disease and How to Avoid it On the Trail
Lyme Disease is terrifying illness that can impact its victims long-term. Today, we know more about it than ever before, and still each year, more than 30,000 cases are reported to the CDC. Nowadays, doctors and scientists can diagnose the disease more confidently than in the past. However, before you go backpacking, know how to […]
1 min read · Sep 18, 2015 · hanalarock
Backpacking
Backcountry Camping Vs. Car Camping
While car camping and backcountry camping have similar characteristics – being outside, exploring nature, having to carry a lot with you – they are most definitely not the same. It’s important to know the distinct differences between these two, otherwise you might show up either overly-prepared or not prepared enough. Know these differences, and you’ll […]
1 min read · Sep 16, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
8 Hiking Hacks You Need to Try Now
Anyone who backpacks often knows that sometimes life along the trail can be a challenge. While the ups of being in the backcountry certainly outweigh the downs, anything that can make hiking just a little bit easier shouldn’t be overlooked. These hiking hacks will make your hike more enjoyable and more convenient by saving time, […]
1 min read · Sep 16, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
Why British Columbia Should Be Your Next Backpacking Destination
British Columbia is a gold mine for backpackers. Surrounded by a rugged coastline on the Pacific and dozens of mountain ranges all around, it’s no wonder that this part of Canada holds so many surprises for the adventurous hiker; you just need to know where to look: The Glacial Lakes British Columbia has some of […]
1 min read · Sep 14, 2015 · hanalarock
Stories
Rock Climbing in North America’s Backcountry: An Interview with Matthew Oberhardt
True backpacking can be a real challenge in itself, but occasionally some dare to take it to the next level; rock-climbing. In addition to so many beautiful places there are to hike in North America, people like Matthew Oberhardt have decided to take advantage of every rugged section of a mountain. I was curious to […]
1 min read · Sep 10, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
5 Delicious Hacks on the Most Basic Hiking Foods
If you’re going out for a long backpacking excursion, then you’ll need to cook along the way. While there are plenty of staple foods that every hiker brings, often convenience is sacrificed for taste when it comes to cooking something fast and easy. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case. These recipes take […]
1 min read · Sep 9, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
8 Lesser Known Health Benefits of the Backcountry
Besides being totally awesome, adventurous, and down-right fun, hiking in the backcountry is actually very healthy and has actually been proven to make you live longer. Hiking will not only make you into a more active person, but will actually contribute to positive changes in your health long-term. We all know that backpacking is good […]
1 min read · Sep 8, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
6 of the Prettiest Lakes in the US…and How to Get There
After a long hike in the great outdoors, it’s nice to be rewarded with a little something special. A reward for completing a hike means different things to each backpacker, but typically, seeing a gorgeous lake located in the middle of the wilderness does the trick. Most lakes in general are a pretty sight to […]
1 min read · Sep 3, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
#EveryKidInAPark – Why the New Initiative is Great for a 4th Grader
If you haven’t yet heard, fourth graders in America, their families, and of course their teachers and youth leaders, have just been given the opportunity to enter all national parks in the United States for free. The goal of this program is to give children a chance to explore and learn about the outdoors, while […]
1 min read · Sep 3, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
How to Backpack Pain Free with Back Problems
Even if you might be in fairly good physical condition, some of us have one problem we can’t avoid, which can cause serious limitations at the most inconvenient times; back problems. Whether the problem is a life-long medical condition or only something you get once in a while, it can seriously be damper when traveling […]
1 min read · Sep 2, 2015 · hanalarock
Backpacking
Hiking Boots for Every Type of Backpacker
Every backpacker needs a good pair of hiking boots just as much as a good backpack. However, finding boots that are comfortable, affordable, and appropriate for your feet as well as the terrain you’re going to be hiking, can be a challenge. Before you start looking, know your brands and stores. REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, […]
1 min read · Sep 1, 2015 · hanalarock